Wild Wye Valley

 
 

Eleven reserves in one valley!

 
Wye Valley has flower-rich meadowsWye Valley has flower-rich meadows
 
The Wye Valley’s network of limestone dales contains some of the most spectacular and ecologically important sites in the Peak District.  The valley contains 11 important nature reserves – and you can visit them all!
 

A valley of flowers

You’ll find several wildlife habitats in the Wye Valley.  The imposing limestone crags, ash woodland clinging precariously to steep slopes and wildlife-rich grasslands are home to a huge variety of wildflowers.
 
Common Rock RoseCommon Rock Rose  Pyramidal OrchidPyramidal Orchid
 
In late spring the dalesides are covered in early purple orchids and cowslips, followed by common rock rose, bloody cranesbill, dropwort, marjoram, Nottingham catchfly, dwarf thistle and more orchids, including the fragrant, pyramidal and common twayblade varieties.
 
Spring sandwort (locally known as leadwort) and yellow mountain pansies appear on old leadworkings.  In July and August a dusting of small scabious appears on many slopes, and the delicate grass of Parnassus flowers in damper spots.  On scree slopes, look out for limestone polypody, quite a rare fern.
 
Meadow CranesbillMeadow Cranesbill  LeadwortLeadwort
 
The ash woods provide their own flower show, with lily-of-the-valley, bird cherry, mountain currant, nettle-leaved bellflower, guelder rose wood sorrel, moschatel, herb paris, stone bramble, narrow-leaved bittercress and broad-leaved helleborine orchid.
 

Butterflies and birds

Look out for butterflies while you’re here.  The brown argus, common blue, dingy skipper and green hairstreak are all characteristic of the dales.  There’s a plethora of other insects too, like the cistus forester, a day-flying, metallic green moth.  The Wye Valley’s many birds include wheatears, ravens, grey wagtails, dippers and the impressive common buzzard.  The bird of prey has a wingspan of over 1 metre!
 
You might also see brown hare or water voles.
 
Water Vole. How cute is that?Water Vole. How cute is that?
 

Access and orientation

The 11 nature reserves are at Deep Dale and Topley Pike, Tideswell Dale, Chee Dale, Cramside Wood, Miller’s Dale, Cressbrook Dale, Monk’s Dale, Taddington Wood, Priestcliffe Lees, Ravenstor and Bellamy’s Bank.
 
Car parking at Topley Pike layby, Wye Dale car park, Miller’s Dale station, Monsal Head, White Lodge and Tideswell Dale.  Each car park has an orientation panel directing visitors to the reserves.
 

Visit Wye Valley by public transport

Various locations in this area are well served by bus services, including the Nottingham to Manchester TransPeak service.  Look for services to Miller’s Dale, Tideswell, Taddington or Monsal Head for ideal points to start your visit to the nature reserves.  Details can be found on Traveline or by ringing Traveline on 0871 200 2233.